Bonner gives rousing keynote speech at his old high school

Spurs forward Matt Bonner returned to his hometown of Concord, N.H., last week to provide a little inspiration to the graduating class of Concord High School.

Bonner, the valedictorian of Concord’s 1999 graduating class, provided a witty and endearing speech at his old school that was a vintage encapsulation of his outlook on life.

Over the years, Bonner has emerged as one of the few NBA players to ever represent the Granite State. He’s kept up with his hometown by holding an annual summer camps for area youth and serving as a food server for an area food shelter in recent weeks.

“Matt doesn’t flaunt his generosity,” Concord senior class speaker James Bujold said. “He doesn’t volunteer to make himself look good or make a statement. He does it simply because he cares about the Concord community.”

Bonner’s introduction highlighted his sense of humor. After another speaker reported that Bonner was too busy to attend the ceremony, Bonner emerged to push himself in a fake wrestling match with the man.

The graduation came on the same day as the Boston Bruins celebrated their Stanley Cup, an excuse for epic conviviality across New England. Bonner thanked attendees for coming to the graduation rather than skipping down to Boston to party with the cup.

He also said he’s actually the second most famous CHS graduate – behind Mike “Boogie” Carri of the “Big Brother” reality series.

“I love being back in Concord,” Bonner told the attendees.

Bonner shared his memories of growing up in Concord, including ultimate Frisbee games at Memorial Field, getting pelted by upperclassmen with eggs, and attending football games. Since returning, Bonner is amazed how much his hometown has changed.

“Gas was $1 a gallon,” he told the graduates. “MTV still played music videos and the Old Man on the Mountain was still standing strong.”

Bonner impressed that adaptability and hard work are key traits for the graduate to take into their life.

His own career has been marked by those attributes. During his seven-season NBA career, Bonner has blossomed into the league’s leading 3-point percentage shooter in 2010-11.

“But I think you already know that,” Bonner said. “My real advice is this … there is no substitute for hard work. Hard work and a good attitude, goes a long way in this world … it’s universal.”

It’s not surprising that Bonner never has forgotten where he grew up. Because where else can he still get the ultimate pepper-and-egg sub for breakfast every morning at his beloved Yellow Sub shop?